- Asylum seekers and prisoners are among the vulnerable communities most seriously affected by HIV in the UK.
- Asylum seekers living with HIV can still be made to move to different locations in the UK with very short notice and sometimes don't have time to get more HIV medication or find a new doctor, which can have serious consequences for their health.
- There is a strong link between HIV and poverty- 1 in 3 people diagnosed with HIV in the UK has experienced severe poverty at some time.
- There are higher rates of HIV among prisoners than among the general population, because many prisoners share needles or have unprotected sex, even while they are in prison. Currently prisoners in England and Wales have limited access to condoms and no access to clean needles, which means that prisoners can find it difficult to protect themselves from HIV whilst in prison.
- Due to government regulations, some people who live in the UK but don't have legal residency status can't access free HIV treatment on the NHS, which means they are at risk of becoming very ill and dying.
Listen to people's experiences
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'She is scared and feels trapped without work or benefits whilst her immigration matters are sorted out.' (Video played by an actor) |
'Did not have enough food to take with her medication.' (Video played by an actor) |
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Join our campaign for free treatment for everyone living with HIV in the UK.
People who are living with HIV in the UK, but don't have legal residency status, including failed asylum seekers, people who have overstayed their visas and other undocumented migrants, are being denied access to free HIV treatment and care from the NHS. People with HIV are charged thousands of pounds a year for life-saving HIV treatment, which most can't afford.
The National AIDS Trust believes that charging people living with HIV for treatment and care is inhumane, a danger to public health and a breach of human rights. We are campaigning for everyone living with HIV in the UK to have access to free treatment, regardless of their residency status.
Show your support for the campaign by signing our petition to the prime minister.
- Speaking out: We are campaigning for everyone living with HIV in the UK to have access to free treatment, regardless of their residency status.
- Talking to others: We are working with the Home Office and Border and Immigration Agency officials to ensure that asylum seekers living with HIV receive the best possible support, treatment and care.
- Breaking the silence: We have produced guidelines for prison workers on tackling the spread of HIV in prisons and ensuring prisoners who are already infected with HIV are treated fairly and with respect.
- Making ourselves heard: We are working with Crusaid to tackle the causes of poverty among people living with HIV.
Find more information about HIV and marginalised communities on the National AIDS Trust website.
The National AIDS Trust relies on donations, which enable us to carry out this important work. Find out how you can support us.
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